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Posted on: June 26, 2014

Celebrate State Parks ShellFest 2014 at Birch Bay State Park

Seafood lunch, exhibits, activities and opportunities to learn about protecting and restoring shellfish

OLYMPIA – June 26, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Parks Foundation invite the public to attend ShellFest 2014 at Birch Bay State Park in Whatcom County.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, in front of the BP Heron Center. The day will include exhibits, food, activities and education about restoring and protecting shellfish beds in Puget Sound as part of the statewide Shellfish Initiative initiated by Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Activities will include low-tide walks guided by local experts, ice tables with shellfish displays and hands-on activities for children. Taylor Shellfish and Friends of Birch Bay State Park will provide lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Lunch will consist of sautéed clams and chowder. Lunch is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person to benefit the Washington State Parks Foundation. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park on event day. Shellfish have a significant influence on Washington’s cultural and culinary identity and as recreational, commercial and tribal resources. Event sponsors all have a role in protecting and preserving shellfish through Puget Sound cleanup efforts.

The Washington State Parks Foundation mission is to ensure a vibrant Washington State Parks system for generations to enjoy. The Foundation works to engage, expand and sustain a broad base of supporters who give to, advocate for, and treasure state parks. For more information about the Foundation, visit wspf.org.

Other event sponsors include the Washington BEACH Program (jointly led by the Washington state departments of Ecology and Health), the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Washington Sea Grant, Washington State Clean Vessel Program, Northwest National Wildlife Federation, Washington State Parks Volunteer Program, the Lummi Nation, Friends of Birch Bay State Park, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Chums of Terrell Creek and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association.

For more information about the ShellFest 2014 event, contact: Srey Ryser, State Parks, (360) 902-8626, srey.ryser@parks.wa.gov or John Floberg, State Parks Foundation, (206) 437-6086, john@wsfp.org

About Birch Bay State Park

Birch Bay State Park is a 194-acre camping park with 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline on Birch Bay and 14,923 feet of freshwater shoreline on Terrell Creek. The park is rich in shellfish resources and offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. More information and directions are here: www.parks.wa.gov/170/Birch-Bay

About Washington State ParksThe Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.